Nature is healing at the physical and emotional levels.  To not spend time in nature is to miss out on a wonderful gift we have been given.  Children are especially affected by nature, and those who are blessed with the opportunities to spend time outdoors, are at a distinct advantage over those who do not.  Many children today are addicted to television and electronic games that can lead to physical and social dysfunction.  Some rarely go outdoors.
 
Nature heals in various ways.  Getting out in the sunshine raises the vitamin D levels in the body.  Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic in our country today.  Breathing fresh air rather than polluted indoor or congested city air is a no brainer for its health benefits.  What the eyes see in nature is healthy.  The eyes are an extension of the brain, so what you focus on goes directly into the brain and nervous system.  Looking at a beautiful nature scene stimulates the brain and causes it to function at a higher cognitive level, which means it actually makes you smarter.  A simple demonstration using kinesiological  (muscle) testing while one is focusing on a nice nature scene will show a strengthening almost every time.  In other words, it is good for you.
 
The sounds of nature are a proven modality to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help improve sleep.  It is no accident that so many relaxation cds use nature sounds, particularly a running stream, rain falling, or birds chirping.  The conscious mind can only focus on one thing at a time, so truly seeing what you are looking at (like watching waves come in or admiring a fantastic sunset), and paying attention to the wonderful sounds, it is virtually impossible to be stressed or think a negative thought.  When in nature, you feel so good you want to be active.  Hiking, biking, swimming, or going for a run.  The benefits of exercise are too numerous to list here, but in nature it all feels like FUN.
 
Living in a city can make it challenging to experience nature, but there are some things that can help until you can get away.  Walk barefoot in the grass (early morning is best).  That connects you to Earth and rejuvenates the body.  Plant a garden or flowers.  Touching plants and getting your hands in the dirt is a great way to create a closed circuit with the planet.  Surround yourself with beautiful nature pictures and art.  It is not the same as being there, but it helps.  Listen to nature sounds.  This can be very helpful if you are feeling stressed or depressed or having trouble sleeping.  Watch nature dvds (about the National Parks, for example).  It is a great alternative to the news.

A couple of points I believe are important:

1.  According to those that worship at the alter of science (I have nothing against real science), what you observe doesn’t mean anything until it has been proven by the scientific method.  This philosophy is used continuously for distraction, delaying, and dissuasion to confuse people. More and more is being exposed as to how much research is fraudulently conducted.  One recent example was a company using in house personnel and calling it independent research.  This was not the first time this company has been caught doing this.  The recent exposure that a leading anti-viral drug was approved based on research that was total fiction is another example, but there doesn’t seem to be much of a deterrent for this kind of behavior. (Could there be a correlation between how much is given to politicians and the lack of any real penalties?  Just wondering).  One more example from a long list is in the 1980’s there was research showing that antibiotics were ineffective for childhood ear infections.  This was changed by the medical school where the research was conducted to state that while most antibiotics were ineffective, one particular one was effective.  That one mentioned became the number one prescribed treatment in the country based on fraudulent research.  Anyone that OBSERVED the results could tell it obviously was not a good treatment.  I am not insinuating the research on bumble bees was fraudulent, however, simple observation would make it obvious it wasn’t complete.  The mechanisms involved in how they could fly just hadn’t been discovered (until recently).

2.  It takes years for the truth to get out in the mainstream media if it ever does.  Even then, the story will be a watered down version of the truth. In the 1990s there was an article in a respected medical journal changing the recommendations regarding childhood ear infections I mentioned previously, but they didn’t come clean with the whole story, that the original research was a lie. It has been known for years that mammograms are dangerous and unreliable.  Instead of telling people the real truth, the guidelines are being changed about when people should get them. This is all explained by highly educated experts with impressive credentials. Thank goodness for the bumble bee they can’t read or watch the news, and aren’t impressed with someone’s credentials.

3.  Most people (at least 70%) will believe the experts or other "authority" figures without exploring the issues on their own.  This can even over ride what they see (especially if one is ego-invested in their degrees, status, etc.)  In other words, they don’t see what they see, they see what they were TOLD.  This is why people don’t see with eyes open, or they will only see what fits an entrenched belief system.

I love to read real research, not crazy propaganda that would have you thinking the ways to health is drugs and chemicals with no valid proof (I actually had a Ph.D. tell me that some pesticides are good for you.  I wonder what class taught him that?), but my favorite pastime is observing bumble bees flying and wondering "how CAN they do that?"  

Forty million pounds (200 tablets for every man, woman, and child in the U.S.) are consumed yearly in the U.S.  Twenty million people are prescribed daily aspirin.  Launched in 1899, its use has been expanding continuously every since.  Its benefits include thinning the blood and relieving pain and inflammation.  It is primarily given today for heart health, but when the data is scrutinized, the number of people that really benefit from this drug’s daily use shrinks dramatically.

The evidence shows aspirin may reduce the risk of a second non-fatal heart attack, but NOT fatal ones.  In other words, death rates are not changed by taking aspirin.  People with high blood pressure don’t get any benefit at all.  One large study concluded aspirin could reduce non fatal heart attacks by 1%, but would INCREASE the risk of strokes.

Known side effects of aspirin use are:
1.    GASTRO-INTESTINAL BLEEDING
2.    INCREASED STROKE RISK
3.    MACULAR DEGENERATION (use of 10 years or longer)
4.    RINGING IN THE EARS
5.    ASTHMA ATTACKS
6.    KIDNEY PROBLEMS
7.    LIVER PROBLEMS (especially if combined with alcohol)
8.    DEAFNESS
9.    INCREASED JOINT DEGENERATION
10.  INCREASED RISK OF PANCREATIC CANCER

Does it seem logical that this is something that promotes health and longevity?  I invite you to step back from the hypnotic programming and take a closer look with open eyes and an awareness of basic health and healing principles.

For pain and inflammation, natural alternatives include proteolytic enzymes (Bromelain is a good one), ginger, yucca, fish or krill oil (which also helps to thin the blood).

Caution: No prescription should be stopped without consulting with your doctor first.

Should you decide that natural alternatives are for you, they can be ordered directly through Natural Dispensary  1-877-628-3477  PIN#5900.

As mentioned in the previous Health Tip, a diet high in refined sugar and devoid of whole foods, plays havoc with brain biochemistry.  When blood sugar plummets on a regular basis (after first going too high), one’s life in general mimics the ups and downs experienced by the brains erratic supply of glucose.  The other major assault to our brain balance is CHEMICALS.  Remember, anything that affects the brain may affect behavior.  Many commonly used chemicals in our food, definitely make changes in the brain.

There are over 3,000 chemical additives allowed in our food supply.  The average American takes in over four pounds of chemical additives every year.  These additives provide no nutritional value to the food and therefore are a burden for the body to handle.  What the body can’t eliminate, it stores, so it is hard to imagine anything positive coming from this kind of toxic-load being ingested. (Keep in mind, up to 95% of all cancers are thought to have a toxic cause).

MSG is one of the most prevalent additives.  Over 100 million pounds are used annually in the U.S.  Fast food restaurants are the biggest users of this brain toxin.  It serves no worthwhile purpose.  It acts on the brain to enhance taste perception.  It works like a drug and is considered an "excitotoxin", which means it excites brain nerve cells to death.  Some of the side affects are; obesity, loss of appetite control, depression, macular degeneration, headaches, fatigue, hypersensitive stress response, etc. Is it any wonder we are seeing all of these things on the rise in young people?

Another chemical that can be toxic is artificial sugar.  It is a toxic stimulant that breaks down in the body to methanol and formaldehyde.  Do not be fooled that this is a healthy substitute for sugar.  Most people think it is better because there are no calories.  The toxic by-products cause you to GAIN weight, not lose it.  Nutrasweet should have never been allowed in our food supply.  The story of how it got approved is a disgusting example of how politics is played today.  Buying influential connections (this includes hiring them) and corporate infiltration of the very government agencies that oversee them, is part of the story. 

High fructose corn syrup is another harmful ingredient to be aware of in our food supply.  It also decreases appetite control and is not a good source of nutrition (or anything else).  It is the number one source of calories for teenagers.  Is it any wonder diseases, like diabetes, are skyrocketing?  Also, violence has been on the rise amongst teenagers.  A sure sign of nutrient depletion from empty calories, and possibly combined with a toxin overload.

Never is a chemicalized, artificial additive or food substitute good for your health. Get as close to zero of these things as you can.  When you’re not sure, a good rule of thumb is, the closer to the earth you can get, the better the choice.

Low blood sugar can mimic symptoms of neurosis, psychosis, and schizophrenia.  It also is a big source of internal stress since the adrenals (the stress glands) get kicked to bring glucose levels back up after they drop too low.  There are certain nutritional deficiencies that usually go along with this and they are big players in brain biochemistry.  They include vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, chromium, and zinc.  When blood sugar drops, cravings for refined sugar or alcohol may occur.  Most heavy alcohol users have low blood sugar problems.

A diet high in processed refined carbohydrates is the biggest problem.  This is a big shock to the body and causes a giant increase in blood sugar after ingesting.  The body over reacts to this insult and secretes too much insulin which drives the glucose down too low.  With the average American eating over 150 pounds of refined sugar each year, is it any wonder that they are physically and emotionally operating with thermostats that are either set too high or too low.

An altered brain means altered behavior.  It should be no surprise that teenage violence is on the rise considering the typical teenage boy drinks a minimum of THREE sodas per day.  Ten percent drink a minimum of SEVEN sodas per day.  This kind of diet, along with a lack of nutrients the brain requires for normal functioning, is a recipe for disaster.  Violence is only one possibility.  ADD and other learning and processing issues are another, and these problems are increasing at alarming rates.

Anyway, this show is a competition that starts with a dozen or so contestants who are given various challenges and after each one, someone is eliminated.  While testing their creative skills they are also timed and their ability to work under pressure is also tested.

The contest was down to the final two participants in the episode I was witnessing.  The challenge they were given was a mock television show and they were cooking for a national audience.  Both were initially nervous and got off to a rough start, but eventually got into the flow.  They both did an excellent job and either one could easily have been the winner.

In my opinion, the most important point was made AFTER the competition was over.  Before the judges deliberated, they asked the finalists if they had anything else to say.  One talked about how he was meant to do this show, he was the ideal person for it, etc. The other talked about how grateful she was for the experience.  She thanked all of the previous contestants, the judges, and her opponent.  She said while she would like to win, she thought the ideal outcome would be to have two winners, but if that wasn’t possible and she lost, she couldn’t think of a better person to lose to. 

Even though I started out thinking the other person might be the best choice to win, I found myself now changing my mind based on the classy way this person handled this final opportunity.  The point is, a grateful attitude is magnetic.  It aligns others (and the universe) on your side.  She did win, but regardless of the outcome, she was a winner and I’m sure would have had another wonderful opportunity come her way from this experience.

Most people are worried about what is going to happen in the future or what has already happened in the past.  Either way, it prevents one from living in the present.  What gets missed is TODAY (and today is all one has).  To worry about the past or future that you can’t do anything about now, is useless and a total waste of time and energy, as well as a potent source of internal stress.  It is estimated only 4% of worries are about things that can be changed.  This is why worry is called "the foolish American pastime".  The stress from worry can cause a myriad of physical and mental ailments and has been credited with causing more disease than all the germs that exist on the planet.

Steps to eliminate worry:

1.    Define the worry in writing.  This can help you see possible   
       solutions more clearly.
2.    Live in "day-tight compartments".  Focus on Today.
3.    Accept the worst that can happen, but do what you can to minimize the
       chances of it happening.  Let go of what you can’t affect.  Do what you   
       can and start NOW.
4.    Get very busy doing something constructive and you won’t have time to
       worry.  Action is the antidote to worry.
5.    Know when to walk away.  Some things just aren’t worth the stress. 
       Sometimes it is best to cut your loses and forget it.
6.    Don’t saw sawdust.  Let the past bury it’s dead.  Move on or else you are
       going through life with your brakes on. This is a ball and chain you don’t  
       need.
7.    Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Life is too short to let a bunch of little things
       pile up on you and destroy you from the inside out.  Decide your life is
       too important to let that happen.

PS – If you missed Dr. Crawford’s radio interview on Suggestions for Personal Power last week, you can go to:  www.InlovewithSacto.com and listen to it at your convenience.

How do they make sure that this ridiculousness is enormously profitable?  They legislate or create regulations, mandating that it has to be done.  It is also about killing the foods that have the healthiest benefits to people, ensuring a sicker population – creating another highly profitable growth industry.
 
What about salmonella contamination?  Salmonella is not a problem commonly found in produce.  Isn’t the timing of these salmonella scares an amazing coincidence?  It reminds me of the stories of the contaminated tryptophan (a natural anti-depressant) that was coincidentally "discovered" right when Prozac was being introduced.  If you pay attention, you will notice the trend.  Instill fear and people will demand the very poison that will lead to their demise – whether it is tearing up the constitution, eating artificial products (margarine, sweeteners, coffee creamers, etc), or consuming dead foods (processed or irradiated).  Dr. Shem Kahani conducted studies years ago, showing contaminated, dead or processed food was actually more dangerous than contaminated unprocessed food.  The enzymes in live food help to neutralize pathogens. 
 
You may be asking yourself, why would television "celebrity doctors" come out in favor of food irradiation?  In my opinion, they are either a) incredibly ignorant about health and nutrition, b) bought and paid for by corporate interests, or c) on so many drugs, they are incapable of rational thinking.  I think at least 2 out of 3 is a safe guess.
 
These deceitful profiteers exploit the health ignorance of the population.  The truth is that the body survives and thrives on whole, natural foods.  For years, the media has labeled anybody who says that, to be a kook.  The population is programmed to believe processed, fast, and convenient foods are good and that drugs are the way to health and happiness.  Mark my words, as we learn more about the tremendous health and healing benefits of plant foods, berries, and herbs, the push to make them unavailable to the public will increase.
 
Do you really think the path we are on, (entrusting the very people that told us above ground nuclear testing was harmless) is going to create a world that we are happy to pass on to our children and grandchildren?  Optimism is good, but codependency of authority figures, who continue to count on people blindly following what they say, not what they do, is dangerous denial and the antithesis of common sense and good health.
 
I invite you to look around with your eyes wide open, pay attention and truly observe what you see.   Use your intelligence and think for yourselves.  Don’t buy into the hype that irradiating your food is good for us, because it definitely is not!
 
Please call our office or email us if you have any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.

2.    Do Not Take Life So Seriously.   Look at life the way Michael Jordon looked at basketball.  It’s a game to play and have fun with.  Things don’t always work out – so what?  Jordan missed 29 game winning shots in his career.  Did that stop him from wanting to take the final shot?  No.  He always wanted the ball.  Because he never gave up, nobody even remembers the times he didn’t succeed.

3.    Be in Control of You.  The only thing you can really control is you.  Efforts to control others and external circumstances are futile and stressful.  Eliminating your resistance to what you can’t change will make a huge positive difference physically and mentally.

4.    Practice Forgiveness.  This is one of the biggest blocks to health and happiness.  Not to do so, can always be justified.  Do it anyway.  Forgiveness is probably the biggest gift a person can give themselves.  It can open the door to blessings you can’t imagine.

5.    Concentrate on Happiness.  Happiness is a choice.  Decide to choose it.  Sacrificing your happiness for others, doesn’t work for you or them.  Make happiness a priority.  If you can’t be happy, what else is there?

6.    Believe in Yourself.  Your number one mantra should be "I can do it."  Focus on your strengths.  Never let someone’s opinion of you dictate what you think of yourself or what you can do.   

7.    Watch Your Words.  Your language affects how you feel and what you do.  Use positive language and never engage in gossip.  Remember, your body believes every word you say.

8.    Be Grateful.  Count your blessings daily.  Make a list of at least ten things you have to be grateful for everyday.

9.    Be Optimistic.  The main criterion for success is the ability to remain optimistic.  Your best days are ahead.  Set-backs are a set-up for a comeback.  You’re going to get knocked down sometimes.  Fall face up.  When you can look up, you can get up.

10.    Associate with People Who Encourage You.  Stay away from toxic people who love to take the wind out of your sails.  Surround yourself with cheerleaders who believe in you.  Negative people will hold you down.  Ask yourself, who can you count on and who should you count out?